in regards to your question, i was induced with #3 i was 1cm dilated when admitted and gel inserted at 4pm, put on a monitor at 9pm to get ready for the next lot of gels, however monitor showed i was getting pretty regular contractions (honestly they didn't feel bad at all and i could still talk through them) they did an internal at 9.45pm and i was 3cm at 10.15pm i was 5cm and dd was born at 11pm - so yes i guess if the cervix is soft and ready then quick dilation is possible.